Tag: Leadership

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365 Coaching Tips: 361st, 362nd & 363rd

December 27th Coaching Tip: Strive For Normalcy.

There’s alot going on with me and my health; there’s alot going on with the holidays and the upcoming new years; and there’s alot going on with geopolitical happenings across the globe. My goal right now is to strive for some normalcy. What does that look like right now? While resting in the hospital, I have decided that I might as well finish a couple things online that I had put off in earlier December. I have finished an AI course thru the University of North Florida and completed my continuing education for my PCC Coaching renewal; those both are now posted to my Linked In profile. Why do it now? I’m striving for normalcy, after this shocking and unexpected health crisis. This stuff happens, continuing onward matters, and it helps me understand and reiterate that I’m still relevant.

I was also working diligently to get normalcy with my strength (walking and standing regularly), hydration (progressing from nothing to chewing ice to now being able to drink liquids), and nutrition (starting very slowly to eat again, very small portions). The progress to do these three things gives me hope. It will take time, but striving for normalcy is working. It’s good for the mind, heart, mind and soul.

December 28th Coaching Tip: Go Home.

Yesterday at 2pm, striving for normalcy allowed me to slowly eat a small meal of chicken, mashed taters and gravy, and some pudding. Part of me was scared to eat, as I had only had broth for a couple days. I took it slow, one small bite at a time. Immediately upon finishing this first of three “normal food” meals that I would have to eat before being released, I made myself get up out of bed and walked the fourth floor in the hospital. I walked more than all the patients on the entire floor combined; I was striving for normalcy and wanting to prove that I had the strength to go home. Today, after my third, small meal of normal food was consumed, all three doctors agreed with me: it was time to be released and go home to rest, go very slow, and recover.

My partner and I loaded up a cooler with all the flowers that I received, grabbed my personal items, and we headed home. That transition was exhausting, but I was going home.

December 29th Coaching Tip: Go Slow.

It’s a Monday, and what a better way to start the week than coaching myself to go slow, prioritize rest and focus on recovery. I grabbed a black Sharpie marker and made a couple Post-it notes that I put on my bathroom mirror and on the refrigerator, both of them at eye level. Because this health episode was so severe and scary, I knew I had to write down my priorities so that I would stay acutely aware and focused on them. I also told key people in my life the following: Go Slow. Eat Slow. Eat Less. Go slow, Jen, go slow.

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365 Coaching Tips: 358th, 359th & 360th

December 24th Coaching Tip: Be Determined.

Here I was, on Christmas Eve, facing a health crisis with little to zero sleep for five days, while having IV’s and tubes connected to me, and a body filled with meds to handle the intense pain, but I had to remain determined to get better. Digging deep, I was determined to be nice and grateful to the nurses/CNA’s/cleaning crew, determined to take notes of everything that was happening to my body so that I could be more prepared during the doctor visits, and also determined to keep walking to maintain my strength.

The Lord gives us challenges, and every single time he has done that, I have trusted Him. Yes, my determination sure helps me, but His presence and my trust in Him gives me a determination that comes from the depths of His word. Be determined. Honor Him.

December 25th Coaching Tip: Be Peaceful.

As I laid in my hospital bed, all by myself in this room, I was spending time praying this special morning. Sweetly and suddenly, I noticed light, grateful, resilient, and peaceful tears gently rolling down by face. It was Christmas and the Lord and I were having a conversation about peacefulness, in this state that I’m in. Being content, right now, was important. If I was supposed to be in the hospital, by myself on Christmas morning, then let it be with a peacefulness. Embrace where you are, be content, and be peaceful.

What a peaceful and meaningful Christmas morning, all by myself, that I will never forget.

December 26th Coaching Tip: Be Grateful.

My partner arranged for me not to be alone very much while I was having this extended stay in the hospital. Although it is Christmastime, she researched on Care.com for registered nurses who would be willing to be with me in my hospital room while she flew to be with her elderly father for Christmas. The nurse she interviewed and selected was so lovely; she actually came by to meet us both on Dec. 24th. We all agreed that it could work and could also bring me a sense of stability and allow some freedom for my partner to enjoy Christmas, have time for herself, and visit her father.

I was so grateful that we could make this happen for everyone. No one was alone on Christmas very long at all in our little world. Be grateful for those who are willing to help. Look for the helpers.

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365 Coaching Tips: 355th, 356th & 357th

December 21st Coaching Tip: Uneasy? Get Checked Out.

It was a very early Sunday morning. I just didn’t feel right; I actually felt uneasy. I haven’t felt uneasy more than probably five days in my life. I made myself listen to my body and gut; I followed my instincts and didn’t delay. I urgently went and got checked out.

Quickly took some time to figure out what I would need for the next few days (purse, insurance info, phone charger, full set of clothes, IU ball hat, etc.) Then I drove myself to the ER closest to our home and was checked in immediately. Couple hours later I was admitted to the hospital and had a very serious situation happening. If you’re uneasy, get checked out.

December 22nd Coaching Tip: Have A Health Advocate.

When you are about to undergo some significant testing, make sure you have a health advocate that can speak on your behalf. And when I say significant (i.e. killer painful) testing, I do kind of mean it. Today had me facing and enduring lots of x-rays and some contrast/dye injected in me to see where the problems were in my body. As the day progressed from 11:40am to 11:40pm with numerous x-rays, hours upon hours of intense pain and losing my cookies multiple times, there were moments when me and my health advocate couldn’t even speak in full sentences. For example, when I needed to throw up, I said, “blue” (the blue barf bag). When I said, “pink”, I indicated that I needed some relief, a quick swipe of a pink sponge on my lips. We made it thru it together, and I’m so grateful that my health advocate and partner was with me during these dire and trying times in the hospital, I just hated that she saw me in such strife and horrid conditions. However, she became the best ER nurse during these killer tests.

Who is your go to person when you’re in dire straits, heading to the ER, or in the hospital or going thru some killer pain/testing? If you don’t have a person, get yourself a health advocate. Get it in writing too, as a “Health Care Power of Attorney.”

December 23rd Coaching Tip: Embrace Sisu.

As I was in the hospital, I was beyond exhausted due to excessive vomiting and intense pain, and I was lacking five nights without sleep. However, I was facing a very significant decision for my current and long term health. Thank the Lord that I have been in outstanding physical and mental shape, especially these last two to three years as I have been training and focused on being a senior athlete. However, as I faced a big decision with a lot of meds in me, lacked sleep, and had intense pain, I knew that I had to dig deeper than I had ever dug recently.

My bestie in Holland, Maleena, reached out to me once she heard from my mother that I was ill and in the hospital. She sent me a couple paragraphs on the word: Sisu. It’s a Finnish concept meaning extraordinary determination, resilience, guts, and perseverance in the face of extreme adversity. It embodies a mindset to keep going when ALL odds are against you, often described as stoic grit, inner strength, action-oriented, tenacity, willpower and overcoming obstacles, and then bouncing back with unyielding resolve.

I embraced Sisu (pronounced “see-soo”) during the evening of Dec. 23, and the early morning hours of Dec. 24th. Although I hadn’t eaten anything and slept very little since Dec. 18, faced extreme exhaustion due to this situation and had the horrid vomiting, I dug deep and embraced Sisu. What did I do? I got out of my hospital bed, still tethered to two separate lines, and walked in place, danced, did squats, and moved! This was purposeful, intentional, and wellness coaching of myself. I was all alone, just me and God. It worked; my doctors noticed an improvement in my health situation before noon on Dec. 24th. Sisu! The greatest gift from God on Christmas Eve.

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365 Coaching Tips: 352nd, 353rd & 354th

December 18th Coaching Tip: Yearend Review.

Today was my day to dedicate time to finish my yearend performance review. I compile and track results throughout the year and also save key feedback and wins in a separate email folder. As I pulled the draft together, it was a good reminder of how many people that I was able to coach and help improve their business, team, etc. My goals that were set at the beginning of the year were achieved, and due to numerous reasons, I accomplished more than originally intended. I kept close track of the changes and accomplishments.

How do you prep for your yearend review? My tip is to stay on top of it throughout the year, so that it is actually easy to pull together. Don’t wait.

December 19th Coaching Tip: STOP.

Sometimes when you don’t feel well, it stops you. That happened to me late yesterday and today. The feeling was stop. Stop everything; sometimes your body is sending signals due to stress. Today was that day, so I stopped.

December 20th Coaching Tip: REST.

Yesterday was the stop sign. Today was continued resting. Stop. Rest. Do nothing. Those are my tips. Stop. Rest. There’s a phrase out there: IYKYK. If you know, you know.

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365 Coaching Tips: 349th, 350th & 351st

December 15th Coaching Tip: SWOT.

Over the last couple weeks, we asked our teammates on our team of 20 to provide input for a SWOT analysis. We were pleasantly surprised that we had 15 of the 20 who took the time to give us feedback on our team’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. As a coach, I really value this exercise because it’s simple (four questions) but highly effective in sharing the good, the bad, the ugly, and the future…potentially, if the team takes it seriously.

As we debriefed with our team today, we were pleased to have a number of our teammates share more insights into their comments. Because of that, we were able to identify some common threads which will help us function more consistently and with clarity in 2026.

Note: the SWOT analysis can be utilized for nearly everything in your life. What’s going well with your relationships, and what needs improvement. What’s going poorly with your finances, and what threat does that pose to your financial security. What’s stagnant with your health, nutrition or wellness journey. Leverage a SWOT to help you get you going with a plan and get to work.

December 16th Coaching Tip: Stop.

Stop to get a change that you need and also want. Yes, stop. In my coaching work today, I had a couple of my coaching clients who were “busy, exhausted, and unable to articulate their plan.” As we worked thru their current situations, they realized and came up with a plan to stop after the end of the year, inspect what they are doing, what they don’t want to be doing, and then make changes to get different results.

STOP when you are not getting the results you want. Stop, intentionally ask questions, look deep inside yourself, reflect on what is happening and also what’s not happening. Then, draft up what you want to have happen, commit to it, and go make it happen. But many times, we must STOP first.

December 17th Coaching Tip: Good Intent.

Christmas cards, stamps, address labels and lists of names are all set out on my dining room table. Although I haven’t even started on them (which takes completing thoughtful hand-written notes and then mailing them), my intent is good. I had numerous photos printed as I like to include memorable and fun photos of good times from the previous 12 months to further personalize my holiday greetings.

Hoping to get these done by yearend, but if not, early January will do. It’s the thought that counts, and the meaning that I put into them makes me feel good about spreading joy to my peeps. It’s all with good intent, even if a bit late.

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365 Coaching Tips: 346th, 347th & 348th

December 12th Coaching Tip: Getting an AI Certificate.

It’s one thing to say that you’re going to do something. It’s another thing to say that you are starting it and expect to be completed by a certain date. That’s me today: I’ve enrolled and now started my 8-module online course, learning about AI.

I’m embracing AI, because I believe it can help me perform and execute at work and in life at an even higher level. For example, I have a toolbox at home. It contains a few but key tools that I utilize frequently: scissors, a claw hammer, Phillips and standard screwdrivers, a level, small nails, tape measure, etc. I don’t have just ONE tool; I embrace a number of tools to get projects done around the house efficiently. So why would I do anything except say yes to the AI tool? More to come on obtaining this certificate, but I’m happy that I’m taking the time and prioritizing this effort to be completed by yearend 2025.

December 13th Coaching Tip: He Is Mendoza.

Indiana University’s record setting quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, won the Heisman Trophy which is awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding player. He is that guy; he is Mendoza; he is a leader; he is coachable; he is bi-lingual; he is beloved by his teammates and family; he executed in the clutch all season long; he was well prepared to deliver his Heisman acceptance speech; he has already signed with Adidas; he is supporting MS, which has stricken his mother; he is a game changer for IU; he has so many IU alumni around the globe thrilled for him, etc.

Belief in yourself and being resilient are crucial in life. Fernando bet on himself in high school, when he decided to transfer and go to another high school so that he could start on the high school football team that passed the ball more than his previous team. Although hardly recruited in high school, he was headed to YALE but switched to go play high level D1 college football at Cal-Berkley. And then for the 2025 season, he bet on himself and transferred to a Big Ten School in Bloomington, IN at Indiana University with a coaching staff that helped develop him in to becoming a Big Ten Champ, the Heisman award winner, and the leader of the first ever undefeated IU football team. He is Mendoza!

December 14th Coaching Tip: Stop Hate.

Two horrific situations this weekend took the lives of innocent people. Gun violence again struck down these poor souls. A mad man entered a Brown University study group and killed two (at least). He’s still on the run. And over 15 people were killed in Australia by two men (father and son) who must have been brewing of hate and completely radicalized, as they slaughtered people while they were simply enjoying time at Bondi Beach, celebrating the first day of Hanukkah. A hero tackled one of the gunmen, and the hero wrestled the gun away.

Please, if you have so much hate, please, get help. And put the gun down. Just put it down and stop all of this unnecessary hate. Everything about hate is unhealthy. Stop hate.

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365 Coaching Tips: 343rd, 344th & 345th

December 9th Coaching Tip: Let Them Talk It Out.

As I was in my office today, someone knocked on my door and needed to “talk.” Thank goodness I had a free slot in my calendar for about 45 minutes. Talk she did, and talk, and talk. All I did was listen for the entire time, and then at the end, I asked her: what are your options. She believed that she had two options and then settled on one of the options. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to; know when you need to just listen. Know when to not even ask questions. Know when not to provide advice. Just let them talk it out.

December 10th Coaching Tip: Don’t Blow It All.

For centuries, people have spent decades building their own personal brand, based upon the daily decisions that they make. It takes discipline to stay on the ‘straight and narrow’. It’s so easy to deviate and slip.

Today, a story was released in Michigan about the head football coach having an extra marital affair; both parties are at fault. Many know that. With the holidays approaching, I can’t imagine how this head coach’s wife and three kids feel about being betrayed.

This lack of discipline causes so much harm; those impacted are too many to mention. With your daily and weekly decisions, take 10-15 seconds and pause, think about your consequences, before you take a significant action. Don’t blow it all.

December 11th Coaching Tip: Empower Others.

Earlier this week I was asked to travel from FL to TX for a couple days of meetings in mid-January. The leader really wanted me to be there, however I was hesitant to commit, since I’m already traveling in three of the four weeks in January. What do I do here?

I reached out to my colleague in TX and asked him if he was going to already be in that area during mid-January. Good news, he was. Empowering him, I asked him if he would like to go to the team’s offsite (instead of me). He said yeah, for sure. Then he asked for time to get him up to speed on the work ahead. I will gladly help prep him, and he’ll deliver with excellence. Empower others!

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365 Coaching Tips: 340th, 341st & 342nd

December 6th Coaching Tip: Belief To Become Big Ten Champs.

Two years ago, the Indiana University football team had more losses in NCAA Division 1 football than any other program. Kinda the worst, right? Fast forward two years later, and IU football is the top ranked team in the country, the 1-seed in the College Football Playoffs, the only undefeated team remaining in all of Div. 1 college football, and the Big Ten Champions.

IU upset the Ohio State Buckeyes for the Big Ten Title. Although both teams were undefeated and Ohio State was a 4.5-point favorite, IU scored just enough points, 13, to beat OSU by 3, as they only scored 10 points. The defense on both sides was playing extremely hard; both field goal kickers missed short kicks that they had hit all season; but the quarterback for IU was just simply better. He was able to march the offense down the field with pinpoint passes when necessary.

This new IU coach, Curt Cignetti, has instilled “unshakeable belief” with this team and the entire IU organization. The leadership at IU is supportive, too. Belief. Having belief can bring you Big Ten Championship winning feelings, and it’s not a dream. It really happened.

December 7th Coaching Tip: Tell The Truth.

Received a phone call today from a friend who wanted to share a difficult situation that he got himself into and was responsible for. To his credit, he reached out to me to let me know. I listened, asked a few questions, but mostly let him talk. At the end of the call, I thanked him for entrusting me and telling me what was going on. Then, I shared a story with him about some bad times that hit my grandfather when he was a young father and in his 30’s. Then I gave him one piece of advice: write a letter or go visit them face to face and tell the truth.

Today’s tip is to write a letter to those whom you have impacted negatively. Apologize and offer to repay the remorse; ask for forgiveness. If you can, talk to them face to face. Let them know you care, that you’re human, and that you’re asking for forgiveness and empathy. Telling the truth goes a long way, in writing or face to face, or both. Tell the truth.

December 8th Coaching Tip: Rose Bowl Bound.

With the Indiana University football team winning the Big Ten Championship a couple evenings ago, we are now in full-planning mode to watch them as the #1 seed in the College Football Playoffs (CFP) play on New Year’s Day 2026.

Tickets to the game are driving up anxiety levels with some of my friends who are also going. Airlines are maximizing on this unique opportunity and charging hefty prices. Hotels are piling on, too. But it will be worth it. For me and my friends, this is about goals, wellness, and being purposeful. It’s a bucket list kind of trip to see my team play on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl game. I love roses, but I’m not going for the parade. I’m going to see IU win the Rose Bowl, so that we can then be on our way to the next game at the Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA).

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365 Coaching Tips: 334th, 335th & 336th

November 30th Coaching Tip: Step Up, and Say YES.

The Indiana women’s basketball team was 7-0, and now facing 10th ranked Iowa State today. Bad news hit the IU team, as our 2nd leading scorer and rebounder had a lower leg injury and unable to play in this important game. Another player stepped up (let’s call her #8) and started the game. She was up against one of the top five players in the country, Iowa State’s Audi Crooks. IU’s #8 was asked to step up, and she said YES.

Did IU win? No. Did #8 stop the Crooks? No, in fact Crooks scored 47 points, setting an ISU school record. Did IU compete closely til the last few minutes of the game? Yes. Did #8 make us all proud? Yes. When you are ever asked to step up, have the courage to give one answer: YES!

December 1st Coaching Tip: My 2025 Word is REDUCE.

I’m pleased with my selection of my word of the year: Reduce. Back in late 2024, I wanted to reduce plastic usage, my weight, work drama, and my running times in my senior games’ track training. It worked. My kitchens now have much less plastic in them; I eat on non-plastic plates and bowls, I have zero non-stick pans now, and I have new kitchen cooking utensils. My weight reached my lowest level in the last 10 years (my college playing weight). Although we have had eight work colleagues retire/resign from our team, I keep working away and providing value to my coaching clients. And with my training, I set three personal bests in my 100m, 200m, and 400m runs by reducing my times in all three events. Reduce worked.

So how do I keep it going for the remainder of 2025? I decided to reduce my social media usage in December. How did I do this? I moved all of my regularly used social media apps (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) to my last page of all of my apps. I had zero desire today in my first day to look at these apps, which has consumed way too many minutes per day. The second thing that I did was start listening to an Audible book to learn more about AI, plus I put two print books by my evening chair. Third, I put in a reminder in my iPhone calendar at 7am every single morning in December that reminds me: reduce to zero social media app usage.

December 2nd Coaching Tip: Bring In The Experts.

One of the best and fastest growing teams that I coach brought in the expert today. They needed to spend a full day together reviewing processes, identifying which ones that needed attention, and continue the processes which are running smoothly. They also asked the expert to show them all some shortcuts on how to implement all the digital tools already in their hands to gain capacity across their team.

Because the expert was brought in, everyone on the team showed up, paid attention, asked questions, and learned so much about what is now capable for the team to execute. When there is doubt and a team is pushing back on changing, recommend that you bring in the experts to calmly show what is available and what can be done, and share how others are utilizing it.

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365 Coaching Tips: 331st, 332nd & 333rd

November 27th Coaching Tip: Travel Kindly on Holidays.

Once again, I traveled on Thanksgiving morning. When I used to live in Houston, TX in the late 1990’s, I would fly from Houston to Indianapolis, rent a car, and drive to Mom and Dad’s home in Kentland, IN. I was able to arrive before my own family arrived; they all lived in Indiana. Fast forward to today, I left at 6am from my door in Indiana. Took an Uber ride to the IND airport. Two-hour flight to RSW in Ft. Myers, FL. Got picked up by my driver, Ben. He dropped me off at 10:48am at my home in Naples, FL. Door to door on Thanksgiving morning took just 4:48. Four hours and 48 minutes on a holiday. Grateful for all the people that chose to work and assist all of us who are traveling. The kindness was everywhere; everyone was saying “happy Thanksgiving” and smiling, helpful, and nice, even though we were all working to get somewhere. Let’s keep that kindness going.

November 28th Coaching Tip: Cook At Home.

It’s Friday night and one of my best friends is coming to hang out for the weekend. We texted quickly and decided to cook at home this evening. With all the hustle and over-eating that surrounds Thanksgiving, it was the right decision.

At 8:30am this day after Thanksgiving, I headed to Aldi’s (only three other people in the store…it was lovely) and bought some groceries for dinner and for the next couple weeks, too. Here’s the menu for our Friday dinner at home: scallops seared in butter and garlic, fettuccini tossed in alfredo sauce, topped with salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. Fresh salad with spinach, scallions, tomatoes and balsamic dressing. For dessert, we made a strawberry cherry Jello salad with whipped cream. No alcohol, just water. (The Aldi grocery prices allow you to afford an AMAZING dinner that’s healthy, in the comforts of your own home. Recommend that you try ALDI’s if you haven’t already).

Not sure how much this dinner would have cost us had we gone out, but probably $35-$50 per person. Instead, we ate at home, had a great conversation as we both cooked in the kitchen, and took our sweet time eating. We even delayed our dessert for over an hour. It was a yummy evening; cook at home. Make memories. Save money. Learn new skills.

November 29th Coaching Tip: Go See The Sunset.

It was a nice, slow, and relaxing Saturday in our south FL home. It was closing in on 3pm and my friend and I both were still un-showered and in our PJ’s. Finally, we looked at one another and said, let’s take a drive to the beach, grab a drink, and see the sunset. We quickly got cleaned up and jumped in the car and headed to the Gulf. We leveraged Ai and it confirmed, sunset was at 5:34pm E. Our goal was to be seated at the Ritz Carlton in Naples and having a drink and appetizer by 4:30pm E…or we wouldn’t have a seat. We made it, perfectly timed, and enjoyed the sunset. I got a few photos of my friend, and he quickly loaded those up as new profile photos. Don’t miss an opportunity to see the sunset. Sunsets have the “IT” factor; hard to explain, but they just have “IT”.